Striker Shefki Kuqi has been told he will not be required to spend time in the Finnish army after all. A 2003 change to Finnish law required naturalised Finns to complete national service and the Kosovo-born frontman looked set for six months in the army before his 30th birthday.

An agreement in January between the army and various Finnish sporting associations allowed sportsmen in Kuqi's position to complete their 180 days in the military in two specially arranged summer spells, but the Town man has now been told he is not wanted.

Kuqi, who moved to Finland as a 13-year-old during the Balkan conflict, was due to start his first three months on Monday but received a letter on Friday telling him that because of his dual nationality he has been freed from spending any time in the army.

In addition to his Finnish passport, Kuqi has what the army describe as a "travel document" from Serbia and Montenegro. This, the fact that the 28-year-old only received his Finnish passport in 1999, left for Britain two years later and will in all likelihood live away from Finland after his career, led the army to make their decision.

Only two sportsmen had signed up for this summer's three months of training and the Finnish media is speculating that this may have had some bearing on the decision to release Kuqi.

Town's 20-goal top scorer for 2004/05 is currently with the Finland squad and will hope to add to his 35 caps and five goals when they face Denmark in Tampere on Thursday and Holland in a crucial Group One World Cup qualifier in Helsinki next Wednesday.

Out-of-contract Kuqi has been offered a new two-year contract by the Blues but has been linked with Premiership Blackburn Rovers.

Photo: Action Images

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